It’s that time of year when the Chamber of Commerce decorates the big cedar tree in City Park. Chamber members will be working on the tree this Wednesday and Thursday afternoon. If you have an hour or two to help, please meet either afternoon between 1 and 5 p.m.

Also this year, the chamber is hoping to decorate the tree with styrofoam crab trap floats. If anyone has some of these or any other nautical items laying around and would donate them for this project, please bring them to the chamber. Any condition will be appreciated.

Friday

Cedar Key Christmas kicks off

This year`s Dog Parade will start and end at City Park beginning at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 23, the day after Thanksgiving. Adorn your pup in its favorite Christmas attire and then have them proudly strut their stuff.

The parade route will begin at City Park, head down 2nd Street, around Dock Street and back to the Park where the leader of the “pack” will be awarded honors of “Top Dog.”

There will be time to catch a bite to eat at a local restaurant before the Tree Lighting Ceremony, traditionally held at dusk at City Park. Cookies, cider and cocoa will be served as a holiday treat and goody bags will be handed out to the kids – generously donated by The Faraway Inn.

Then, enjoy the wonder of the brightly lit Golf Cart Parade as it meanders down the streets of Cedar Key.

This will be a fun-filled family event and the entire town, visitors and residents alike, are welcome and encouraged to attend

Santa arrives Dec. 1 in Chiefland

The 2012 Chiefland Christmas Festival and Parade will be Saturday, Dec. 1, in downtown Chiefland at the historic train depot, Trailhead Park and the surrounding area on U.S. Highway 19 South.

The Festival will begin at 10 a.m. with the opening of booths and arts, crafts, music and activities for children. The lighted parade starts at 6 p.m., followed by the evening celebration that includes the lighting ceremony, caroling and visits with Santa. Walgreen’s will be providing a photographer for pictures to be taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Orders can be taken at that time and a price list will be available.

Local entertainment of church choirs, musicians and other entertainers are invited to perform.

Attention all businesses, food and beverage vendors, artists, crafters and non-profit organizations — booths will be available for the following fees:

• non-profit organizations, $15,

• informational booths, $30,

• food vendors, $50 for businesses.

The deadline for applications is Nov. 19th, but remember booth availability is based on a first-come, first-serve basis.

For further information or for registration forms for the festival or Parade please call the Greater Chiefland Area Chamber of Commerce at 352-493-1849 email chieflandchamber@bellsouth.net.

Saturday

Booths available at Fall Fair and Flea Market

The Cedar Key Woman’s Club has space available for its annual Fall Fair and Flea Market, scheduled for Nov. 24, beginning at 9 a.m.

The event will consist of yard sale items, food, crafts, tools, antiques and much more.

Inside and outside spaces are available (for a nominal donation). To reserve your spot, call Judy Duvall at (352) 507-1177.

Wednesday

Non-Fiction Book Bunch to meet

The Non-Fiction Book Bunch will meet on Wednesday, Nov. 28, at 1:30 p.m. at the Cedar Key Library. The discussion will center upon Candice Millard’s “The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey”.

At this gathering, we will decide upon future selections. Please, bring suggestions with you. Proposed thus far are:

• S.C. Gwynne’s “Empire of the Summer Moon”;

• Manning Marable’s “Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention”.

November 29

'Brave' to play at Levy public libraries

Residents are invited to join the public library staff for a fun family movie at the library. All events are free and everyone young and old is invited to attend. Mark your calendars for the 2012 Disney movie “Brave.”

Determined to make her own path in life, Princess Merida defies a custom that brings chaos to her kingdom. Granted one wish, Merida must rely on her bravery and her archery skills to undo a beastly curse. This movie is rated PG and has a running time of 100 minutes. Please contact your local librarian for more information.

On Saturday, Dec. 1, the Cedar Key Arts Centerwill present the works of artists affiliated with Florida`s Eden, a group dedicated to uniting art, culture and North Florida’s Natural Resources in the Main Gallery. Bev Ringenberg will delight with her showcase of Contemporary Fusion Glass in the Member’s Art Gallery.

There are fantastic opportunities to spark a creative fire during the month of December by taking advantage of the workshops at the Cedar Key Arts Center. Call the Keyhole Artist Co-op to make your reservation 352-543-5801

December 5

Garden Club plans Christmas Party

The annual Cedar Key Garden Club Christmas Party will be on Wednesday, Dec. 5, at noon in the Fellowship Hall of Christ Church Episcopal Church. The traditional covered dish dinner and plant drawing is planned. Bring a side dish to share, ham will be the main dish. Bring a plant to swap in the drawing.

Come get ideas for Christmas decorations made using native materials. Visit with friends in Cedar Key, including those returning snowbirds. Learn more about the projects and plans of the club. Take home an interesting flower, herb, vegetable, or house plant. Free bromeliads will be offered.

To make your reservation, call Mary Stone at 543-6007.

December 11

Haven hosting grief workshops for holidays

Haven Hospice is hosting two Holiday Grief Workshops at the Tri-Counties Care Center, located on 311 N.E. 9th St., in Chiefland, for those who have lost a loved one and are looking for support to cope during the holidays. Both workshops will be from 10-11:30 a.m. The first workshop will be on Dec. 4 and the second one on Dec. 11.

Through Dec. 18

Quit Smoking Now classes

Do you smoke, dip or spit and want to quit? First Baptist Church of Bronson, 460 S. Court St., Bronson is hosting Quit Smoking Now classes from 6-7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, through Dec. 18. Free group sessions with free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges provided. This program is sponsored by the Suwannee River Area Health Education Center and the Florida Department of Health. To register, call Juanita toll free at 1-866-341-2730.